Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: prides
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of verb collocations, especially reflexive structures like "pride oneself on". The sentence describes modern India and its secular constitution, so the missing verb must express a positive attitude that India takes toward this feature. Recognising which verb naturally combines with "itself" and with "on being a secular country" is essential for choosing the correct option.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
In English, the idiom "pride oneself on something" means to take pride in or feel pleased about a particular quality or achievement. The context here is clearly positive: having a secular constitution and being a secular country are presented as achievements. The other verbs listed are negative in meaning or grammatically unsuitable. "Humiliates itself", "disgraces itself", or "condemns itself" would suggest shame, which contradicts the idea of pride. "Shy" is a noun or adjective and cannot function correctly as a verb in this structure. Therefore, "prides" is the only verb that fits both grammatically and in meaning.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note the reflexive pronoun "itself", which suggests a verb that can be used in reflexive form, such as "prides itself".
Step 2: Consider option A, "prides". The phrase "prides itself on being" is a standard and positive collocation.
Step 3: Consider option B, "humiliates". The phrase "humiliates itself on being a secular country" would mean India causes shame to itself because it is secular, which does not match the intended positive sense.
Step 4: Consider option C, "shy", which is not a suitable finite verb in this structure. We do not say "shy itself on being".
Step 5: Consider option D, "disgraces". "Disgraces itself on being a secular country" again gives a negative meaning opposite to what the context expects.
Step 6: Consider option E, "condemns". "Condemns itself on being a secular country" also expresses criticism, not pride.
Step 7: Conclude that only "prides" produces a correct and meaningful sentence.
Verification / Alternative check:
Insert the correct option into the sentence: "Modern India has a secular constitution and prides itself on being a secular country." This is a common way of expressing national pride in a constitutional feature. The reflexive construction "prides itself on" clearly signals satisfaction and approval. Substituting any other option results in either grammatical errors or a meaning that clashes with the positive tone of the sentence, confirming that "prides" is the right choice.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Humiliates" and "disgraces" are wrong because they describe causing shame, which contradicts the idea of being pleased with a constitutional value. "Shy" does not function as a verb here and cannot take "itself" as a reflexive object in this pattern. "Condemns" expresses strong disapproval, so "condemns itself on being a secular country" would mean India strongly criticises itself for being secular, which obviously does not align with the described pride in a secular constitution. Therefore, none of these alternatives fit the sentence.
Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may think that exam setters always prefer complex or negative words and might consider "condemns" or "disgraces" just because they look advanced. Others may miss the importance of the reflexive pronoun "itself" in guiding the choice of verb. The best strategy is to pay attention to the overall tone of the sentence and to recall common idioms like "pride oneself on", "avail oneself of", and "confine oneself to", which frequently appear in exam questions.
Final Answer:
The blank should be filled with prides, giving the sentence: "Modern India has a secular constitution and prides itself on being a secular country."
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